Foundation Overview
The Foundation examination is the first step in your
Amateur Radio Qualification.
The course consists of a series of practical tests, and a multiple choice examination.
The course consists of a series of practical tests, and a multiple choice examination.
Practical Test 1
Demonstrate, using a VHF/UHF transmitter/receiver the
correct tuning of an amateur F.M. voice signal, and a
data signal such as packet. Read the signal strength
meter if it is fitted to the receiver.
Practical Test 2
Demonstrate the correct operation of a VHF
transmitter/receiver in simplex mode. Controls you
must use include frequency, squelch, and AF gain
(volume).
Know the meaning of the signal reports exchanges during a contact (QSO)
Make a simplex radio contact, and exchange signal reports
Know the meaning of the signal reports exchanges during a contact (QSO)
Make a simplex radio contact, and exchange signal reports
Practical Test 3
Demonstrate, using a HF transmitter/receiver the
correct tuning in to an amateur SSB voice signal, and
a morse (CW) signal. Read the signal strength meter
if one is fitted
Practical Test 4
Demonstrate the correct operation of a HF
transmitter/receiver in an SSB contact. Controles
that should be used include the frequency, RIT
(clarifier), AF gain (volume), RF and microphone
gain, and an antenna tuner (ATU).
Make an HF SSB Voice contact, and exchange signal reports
Make an HF SSB Voice contact, and exchange signal reports
Practical Test 5
Demonstrate a CQ call on VHF/UHF, including
initiating a change in frequency off the calling
channel
Practical Test 6
Demonstrate connecting a transmitter/receiver to a
power supply, antenna, and feeder
Practical Test 7
Demonstrate, using a 1/2 wave dipole antenna with
adjustable elements that the SWR varies as the length
of the elements are varied. Set up the dipole form
minimum SWR. The elements are NOT to be adjusted
while transmitting.
The correct procedure for a radiating test shall be demonstrated.
The correct procedure for a radiating test shall be demonstrated.
Practical Test 8
Morse Code
You will be sent a small piece of text at very slow speed. You may use a decoding sheet to help you, but it is preferred that you do not.
You will be asked to send a small amount of text back to the examiner
You will be sent a small piece of text at very slow speed. You may use a decoding sheet to help you, but it is preferred that you do not.
You will be asked to send a small amount of text back to the examiner
The Written Examination
The final part of the Foundation Examination is the
written (actually multiple-choice) examination paper.
This consists of 25 questions, each with a possible 4 answers. You will need to get 18 questions correct in order to pass this examination. The examination lasts for a total of 45 minutes, after which time it is locally marked by the examination team, and you will know if you have passed or failed probably within 20 minutes of taking the paper.
This consists of 25 questions, each with a possible 4 answers. You will need to get 18 questions correct in order to pass this examination. The examination lasts for a total of 45 minutes, after which time it is locally marked by the examination team, and you will know if you have passed or failed probably within 20 minutes of taking the paper.
If you PASS......
Congratulations!!
You will be issued with a PASS slip, and the appropriate paperwork to enable you to apply for your Foundation Licence.
You will also be given details of the next Intermediate course that the club are running, in case you wish to progress to the Intermediate Level
You will be issued with a PASS slip, and the appropriate paperwork to enable you to apply for your Foundation Licence.
You will also be given details of the next Intermediate course that the club are running, in case you wish to progress to the Intermediate Level
If you FAIL......
Sorry,
You will be issued with a failure slip, but that is not the end of the story (we hope).
We will allow you to continue to study with us, and to retake the examination as soon as you are ready. In order to retake the examination, the current costs are shown on the main training page, and we hope that you will continue with your studies, and not give up.
You will be issued with a failure slip, but that is not the end of the story (we hope).
We will allow you to continue to study with us, and to retake the examination as soon as you are ready. In order to retake the examination, the current costs are shown on the main training page, and we hope that you will continue with your studies, and not give up.